Gizmodo iPhone Search Warrant Withdrawn

Back before we had ever heard of the iPhone 4, Gizmodo got their hands on a prototype. You've probably heard about that. The resulting criminal investigation resulted in GIzmodo editor Jason Chen having his home searched by the authorities. In the process, they confiscated all his electronic devices. Now the San Mateo County District Attorney has had the warrant withdrawn. Mr. Chen will be getting his stuff back, for now at least.

The EFF has long claimed the warrant was issued illegally, and points to California’s Penal Code section 1524(g), which disallows the use of warrants to obtain "unpublished information obtained or prepared in gathering, receiving or processing information for communication to the public.” This is part of what is often called the shield law. The EFF goes on to point out that another warrant could be issued at any time to obtain the items again. Is this the end of it, or will the investigation continue?